Bret Michaels has had his fair share of thorns — the ups and downs of the music industry, a lifelong battle with diabetes and an almost fatal car crash in 1994. But Michaels, and his mainstay popularity throughout the years, only proves that every thorn has its rose.

And now, the frontman for big-hair ‘80s rock band Poison, Michaels is making his way to the Reno stage at the Silver Legacy Saturday. His hair is not quite as big now but the rock and roll is even bigger.

It’s the “Rock of Love Tour” and Michaels is pulling out the stops.

Claiming 15 Top 40 singles and more than 25 million records sold while with Poison, Michaels knows a thing or two about the industry, having added actor, songwriter, director and now TV reality star (“Rock of Love”) to his resume.

And then there’s that bandana that’s always tied around his head. One thing is for sure — Michaels has appeal that lasts.

Known for his bigger-than-big stage antics and glorified, leather-clad rebel image, Michaels’ and Poison’s hits like “Talk Dirty to Me,” “Something to Believe In” and “Nothing But A Good Time” have remained popular for 20 years.

The band’s most recent album, “Poison’D” (2007), ressonated with fans, as it included covered songs that have influenced the band, and their 2006 album “20 Years of Rock” reminded die-hards just why they loved the rockers who pioneered rowdy and loud rock and roll in the first place.

On his own though, Michaels hasn’t slowed the momentum, having released his first solo album after he broke into director mode in 1998 for his film “A Letter From Death Row,” in which he starred in and for which he wrote the title soundtrack.

In 2003 Michaels released his first solo studio album, “Songs of Life,” followed by his sophomore album, 2005’s “Freedom of Sound.”

Other silver screen appearances for Michaels include a cameo on the primetime series “Yes, Dear,” a judge on the “Nashville Star” program and even a contestant for “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” where Michaels donated his $250,000 in winnings to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Most recently though, his 2008 album “Rock My World” features hits that have been heard on the highest-rated series on VH1, “Rock of Love,” which is currently up for its third installment, having won a BMI award for cable programs.

And as if he hadn’t broken into all forms of media, the video game “Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock” was released earlier this year with none other than a guest appearance from Poison singing “Talk Dirty to Me” and Michaels’ “Go That Far.”

Be it video game, movie or television screen, Michaels has proven that tough guys can wear eye makeup, make it look good and sell millions because of it.

No thorns here.

Bret Michaels is set to go on at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $45, $55 and $65 and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com.